Rumour has it that the gypsy in this song was, in fact, a prince. Thankfully, for once, he hasn't started life as a little green amphibian only to arrive at the final humiliation - marriage, to a woman who kisses frogs.
lyrics
There were three gypsies in a row
And o' but they were bonnie o
They sang sae sweet and sae complete
They've stolen the heart of a lady o.
Laddie o, laddie o, follow the gypsie laddie o.
I'ts ye'll tak' aff that silken goon
And put on this tartan plaidie o
And ye'll come awa' this lee-lang-nicht
And follow the gypsie laddie o.
Lord Castles he's cam home at e'en
Enquiring for his lady o
The hounds is run, the hawks is flown
And the gypsie's awa' wi' yer lady o.
Laddie o, laddie o, follow the gypsie laddie o.
Come saddle tae me the black, the black
Mak' haste and soon be ready o
For meat and drink I winna taste
Till I get back my lady o.
And he's rode east, and he's rode west
Till he's cam tae yonder boggie o
And there he spied the well-faured maid
In the arms of the gypsie laddie o.
Laddie o, laddie o, follow the gypsie laddie o.
Will ye come wi' me my honey and my heart
Will ye come wi me my lady o
And I swear by the sword that hangs by my side
The black band ne'er shall steal ye o.
I winnae come wi' you my honey and my heart
I winnea come wi' you my dearie o
Till I hae drank the breest I brewed
And that's in the water o' Eerie o
Laddie o, laddie o, follow the gypsie laddie o.
credits
from The Tannahill Weavers,
released January 1, 1979
Traditional arr. Tannahill Weavers
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Gypsy Laddie”
Surprisingly laid back EP given the cover art, but still some fine traditional music from the band. You can't go far wrong with Dàimh. (Eagerly awaiting the bandana!) Oynque
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Gypsy Laddie”
John Drumbo French from Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band worked with Thompson on two albums along with Fred Frith and Henry Kaiser.
Those two French, Frith, Kaiser and Thompson albums led me to this.
Also, Richard Thompson taught Hugh Cornwell (of The Stranglers) how to play the bass guitar in a band when they were both at the same school (Emil and The Detectives?).
With a career spanning 50 years and playing with two of my heroes (French and Cornwell) Thompson has produced a fascinating EP. yellowcakeuf6
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
Scottish harpist and singer Rachel Newton brings an innovative, intensely emotional touch to traditional music on this dreamy LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2020
Bright and skipping songs that foreground the sound of the banjo and fingerstyle guitar in music that feels timeless. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 5, 2020
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Gypsy Laddie”
Great Scottish band! The addition of guests like Duncan Chisholm-fiddler extraordinaire- and Julie Fowlis-an authentic voice of Scotland- make it perfect. dardar1126